KnownCarProblems2026 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026 Ford Explorer, most often about the other or unspecified (26% of complaints). It is 25th of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints and has 14 recalls.
Most common 2026 Ford Explorer problems
Other or unspecified
11 complaints · 26%Electrical
9 complaints · 21%Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel.
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 60 MPH, the instrument cluster independently turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a software malfunction. The contact was informed that the unknown software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired…
Seats
7 complaints · 17%The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left or right turn, the front passengerâs side seat was moving from side to side. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact was informed…
Engine
6 complaints · 14%Visibility and wipers
6 complaints · 14%Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly, power window devices and controls.
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass panel made an abnormally loud sound and shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost.…
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH in the rain, the front windshield wipers suddenly stopped operating. The front power windows failed to operate properly and failed to go up or down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the…
Driver assistance
4 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, warnings.
Transmission
3 complaints · 7%Fuel system
3 complaints · 7%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2026 Ford Explorer recalls
Air bags: frontal
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 16, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s65. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on september 14, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2026 explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed september 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in december 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s61. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on august 28, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2026 explorer, bronco, bronco sport, mustang, and ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long blocks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 25, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s58. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on august 18, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2026 explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3l engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
Seats: power adjust
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driverâs seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (dsm) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 3, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s53.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 explorer and lincoln aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed august 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in january 2027. Lincoln aviator owner notification letters were mailed august 21, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s52. This recall expands recall 25v393. Vehicle identificati
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 aviator and 2020-2026 explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed june 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in november 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s35. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on may 28, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 explorer, ranger, and bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 10, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s23. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on april 2, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2026 explorer and mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
Visibility and wipers: fan/motor
Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 10, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s22. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning april 3, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2026 lincoln aviator and explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
Seat belts
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed march 30, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26c18. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on march 19, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 explorer and lincoln aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Lights: headlights
Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed march 23, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26c12. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on march 5, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 explorer vehicles. The dynamic bending light (dbl) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 108, " lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Visibility and wipers: windshield
Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 30, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26c02. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on january 22, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2026 explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 212, "windshield mounting."
Engine
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25sd3. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on november 24, 2025.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2026 explorer, mustang, lincoln corsair, and 2025 maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Visibility and wipers: windshield
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed november 6, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25c60. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning october 27, 2025.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 lincoln corsair, lincoln aviator, and explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 205, "glazing materials."
Equipment: trailer hitches
Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed october 29, 2025. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25sa3. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on october 15, 2025.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 explorer and 2024-2026 lincoln aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2026 Ford Explorer
- What are the most common problems with the 2026 Ford Explorer?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: other or unspecified (11 complaints); electrical (9 complaints); seats (7 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?
- 14 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 9, 2026 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2026 a bad year for the Ford Explorer?
- It is 25th of 27 Explorer model years by number of complaints, with 42 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.